Time moved fast, the world kept on changing, but one
thing remained unchanged – the state of Bangladesh cricket. There had been
flashes of brilliance, but more often the Tigers have been nothing but an ice
sculpture in the desert. The state of Bangladesh cricket was a matter of joke
for world cricket; and for its die-hard fans, it was an utterly frustrating
ride.
Last year, the condition of Bangladesh cricket was shoddy.
Controversies off the field and pathetic performances on the field had left
Bangladesh in tatters and even the most ardent follower of Bangladesh cricket
team was afraid to be optimistic regarding them.
But suddenly, Bangladesh have bounced back in style and has
brushed away all the horrors of last year. It’s a rejuvenated unit which is
free from the fears of defeat and plays with plenty of self-belief. Yes, in
Test cricket the Tigers are still not able to strike gold, but in the
limited-overs format they are all set to establish themselves as one of the
most feared and competitive teams of world cricket.
Bangladesh cricket needed this change and at present the
fans have a reason to believe and dream big. The changes have been inspiring
and it would not have been possible without the men below. Yes, a change is not
possible without the collective effort of everyone, but some people’s
contributions remain extremely significant:
1.
Chandika Hathurusingha
On May 2014, BCB released Shane Jurgensen with immediate
effect from his contract as the Tigers’ coach. Jurgensen had resigned in late
April, but it was expected that he would stay in the job till the end of the
proposed ODI series against India in June last year, giving the BCB a chance to
find a replacement. Bangladesh cricket was in hot soup during that time and BCB
was in need of a coach who would be able to fix a disorganized unit
efficiently.
BCB appointed Chandika Hathurusingha as the coach of the Tigers.
Chandika’s initial journey was rocky, but he was able to stabilize a
disorganized unit quite quickly. Chandika instilled self-belief among the boys
and made the team realize the importance of hard work. He injected strict
professionalism in the team, allowing no place for indiscipline.
He has always shown care about tiny details of each and every player and provided the boys
with constructive advices.
2. Heath
Streak
Pace bowling has always been a worry for Bangladesh. While
the spinners kept on essaying success after success, Bangladeshi pace bowlers
were found wanting most of the time. Pacers were lacking proper guidance. To
make the pacers productive, Heath Streak was appointed as the bowling coach of
Bangladesh. And his appointment was another masterstroke.
Heath Streak’s hard work has reaped a rich harvest. The
current Bangladeshi pacers not only bowl with nagging line and incisive length,
but are able to generate good pace and fetch wickets consistently.
Who would have ever thought that Bangladesh would play four
pacers in a home series? But at present, it’s the pace bowlers and not the
spinners who are proving to be the strike force to devour the opposition’s
batters. Heath Streak deserves plenty of credit for this.
3.
Mashrafe Mortaza
On September 2014, for the first time, BCB introduced split
captaincy. Mashrafe Mortaza was appointed as the captain of the one-day team
while Musfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan were appointed as the Test and
Twenty20 captains respectively. Mashrafe’s previous stint as the captain was
not very happy. Injuries always impaired his progress as the captain, but Mash
is of the rare breed who never gives up.
Tactically, Mashrafe is not a gifted captain, but his
ability to maintain unity within the team is praiseworthy. He has been able to
cut short the big egos in the team and establish his full authority over his
men not only as a leader but also as a brother and close friend. Mash is loved
by all and each and every member of the team follows his advice.
Moreover, he has gelled very well with the coach and has
been able to create a fine understanding which is proving fruitful for
Bangladesh cricket.
4.
Bangladesh selectors
Selectors are meant to be noticed when only when they get
the team selection wrong. And most of the times, the Bangladeshi selectors find
themselves as the subject of heavy
bashing by the critics and fans. The Bangladeshi selectors have always
been accused of nepotism, but they proved everyone wrong by injecting some
young talents in the team.
Even though there are rumors that an ideal understanding
between the coach, captain and selectors is lacking, but success would not have
been possible if that sound understanding didn’t exist. The selectors must be
thanked for giving opportunities to players like Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das and
Mustafizur Rahman whose lively presence have given the team a new dimension.
5. Nazmul
Hassan
Last but not the least. Last year Bangladesh Cricket Board
chief Nazmul Hassan earned plenty of criticism regarding the Big 3 issue.
Moreover, his actions against Bangladesh’s ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan had
put him in the soup. Bangladesh’s pathetic results on the field and various
controversies off the field had put a big question mark over his abilities as
the chief of BCB.
But, he didn’t lose his composure and kept on taking brave
decisions amid tougher circumstances. Bangladesh cricket owes a lot to Nazmul
Hassan for his ability to manage tricky situations and ability to take bolder
steps when needed.
Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 22/06/2015 The Five Wise Men – Bangladesh Cricket’s agents of change
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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